Method of providing personalized souvenirs

ABSTRACT

A method for providing a personalized souvenir is disclosed. The method includes the steps of contacting a souvenir retailer, preparing artwork, selecting names for personalization of the souvenirs, providing a rack to the souvenir retailer for displaying the souvenirs, and servicing the racks to ensure that the rack is maintained with the proper inventory. Additionally, determining an age range of a sales demographic such that the most popular names are selected to include on the souvenir within that age range.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/914,115, filed Apr. 26, 2007. The entire specification of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/914,115 is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Primarily referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present inventive technologyrelates generally to a method of supplying souvenirs, and moreparticularly to a method for providing and servicing a personalizedsouvenir program.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Souvenirs are well known in the prior art. Specifically, whenindividuals go on vacations or to a special event, there are manyopportunities to purchase or otherwise acquire some item thatcommemorates or reminds them of their experience.

There are many types of souvenirs on the market today. Many of thesesouvenirs are generic and do not stand out as something special anindividual wishes to purchase. Therefore, it is desirous to have asouvenir that is personalized, for example, with the consumer's name andprovides a novelty that is appealing to individuals.

Moreover, souvenir retailers want to provide customers a souvenir thatis attractive and produces high sales. However, in reality, manysouvenir retailers own stores that sell much more than just souvenirsmaking it difficult for the souvenir retailer to focus the necessaryamount of attention on its souvenir program to ensure that it isproducing high sales. Thus, it is desirable to purchase a souvenirprogram from an outside vendor that includes both product and service.The servicing of the souvenir program by an outside vendor ensures thatthe souvenir program is fully stocked with the proper inventory and isaesthetically pleasing, while at the same time allowing the souvenirretailer to focus on other aspects of its store.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1—Is a first representation of various embodiments of a method ofand/or apparatus for providing personalized souvenirs.

FIG. 2—Is a second representation of various embodiments of a method ofand/or apparatus for providing personalized souvenirs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Primarily referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present inventive technologyin various embodiments relates generally to a method of providing asouvenir program as in the present invention comprises the steps ofcontacting a souvenir retailer, providing a souvenir, preparing artwork,selecting names for the personalization of the souvenir, providing arack to the souvenir retailer for displaying the souvenir, and servicingthe rack such that the rack is properly maintained. Additionally, themethod of selecting names further comprises the steps of determining anage range of a sales demographic, researching census records and birthrecords for each year of the range, selecting the top first names fromthe census records and the birth records; and including the most commonnames for all ages on the souvenirs. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2collectively, embodiments of said method of providing a souvenir furthercomprises the steps of providing a solar powered souvenir wherein thesouvenir further comprises (i) a liquid crystal display screen, (ii) asolar panel, wherein the solar panel converts light into electricalenergy, and (iii) an electronic circuit controller that receives saidelectrical energy and controls the liquid crystal display screen in aprogrammed manner. Additionally, the liquid crystal display screen ishoused in a first side of the solar powered souvenir and the artwork isattached to a second side of the solar powered souvenir.

The present invention is directed to a method of providing a souvenirprogram to a souvenir retailer.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a high salessouvenir program.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a souvenirprogram with continuous service.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a souvenirprogram that offers a personalized souvenir.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a souvenirthat is novel.

The novel features that are considered characteristic of the inventionare set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The inventionitself, however, both as to its structure and its operation togetherwith the additional object and advantages thereof will best beunderstood from the following description of the preferred embodiment ofthe method for providing a personalized souvenir program. Unlessspecifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in thespecification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meaning tothose of ordinary skill in the applicable art or arts. If any othermeaning is intended, the specification will specifically state that aspecial meaning is being applied to a word or phrase. Likewise, the useof the words “function” or “means” in the Description of PreferredEmbodiments is not intended to indicate a desire to invoke the specialprovision of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6 to define the invention. To thecontrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6 are sought tobe invoked to define the invention(s), the claims will specificallystate the phrases “means for” or “step for” and a function, without alsoreciting in such phrases any structure, material, or act in support ofthe function.

Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6 areinvoked to define the inventions, it is intended that the inventions notbe limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that aredescribed in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any andall structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function,along with any and all known or later developed equivalent structures,materials, or acts for performing the claimed function.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Primarily referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present inventive technologyin various embodiments generally comprises the steps of selecting namesfor the personalization of the solar powered souvenir such as through acomputer device, contacting a souvenir retailer, preparing artwork,providing a rack, such as is demonstrated in FIG. 2 to the souvenirretailer to display the personalized souvenirs, and servicing the rackto ensure that its inventory is properly maintained perhaps involving acomputer.

Preferably, the souvenirs are personalized with individual names such asis demonstrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The first step to determine the namesto include for personalization is to establish the age range of thedemographic that will be purchasing the souvenirs. In the preferredembodiment of the invention, the age range is 5 years to 35 years. Theseare the individuals that are most likely to purchase or receive thepersonalized souvenirs. Once the age range is established, the censusand birth records of the established age range are researched todetermine the most popular first names of those years. In addition tothe most common names of the age range, the most popular names of alltime are also included. The top names are selected and used in thepersonalization program. In a preferred embodiment, the top 300 namesare used. Additionally, it is preferred that the inventory ofpersonalized souvenirs is based upon the popularity of the names wherethere is a ratio of 15:1 from the most popular name to the least popularname. In other words, there are souvenirs with the most popular name toevery one souvenir with the least popular name.

Preferably, a sales representative contacts the souvenir retailers andprovide information including pricing, samples of products, servicesoffered, etc. Once the souvenir retailer decides to purchase thepersonalized souvenir program, the parties enter into a contract.

Next, the souvenir retailer decides on the type of artwork that will beincluded on the personalized souvenirs such as a solar powered key ringand/or keychain as detailed in FIG. 1 or 2. It is preferable that theartwork has a connection to the souvenir retailer's geographicallocation or venue as seen in one embodiment in FIG. 1. However, in analternate embodiment, the souvenir retailer could be an organizationthat wishes for its logo to be depicted on the personalized souvenir. Ineither case, the souvenir retailer can provide the artwork to the salesrepresentative or request that the artwork be designed by the salesrepresentative's employer. Once the artwork is prepared, it is subjectto the final approval of the souvenir retailer before the personalizedsouvenirs are manufactured.

Primarily referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the artwork may be eithernon-dynamic, such as a sticker or label, or, the artwork may be dynamicsuch that the souvenir includes an additional liquid display screen onthe second side of the souvenir wherein the additional liquid displayscreen alternates between transparent and opaque also denoted in FIG. 1as “Flashing”. The artwork may be of any type including the nameselected for personalization.

When the artwork has been finalized, the souvenirs are thenmanufactured. Primarily referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in a preferredembodiment, the personalized souvenirs are acrylic key chains thatinclude a first side and a second side. The first side houses a liquidcrystal display screen, a solar panel, and an electronic circuitcontroller. The electronic circuit controller can be a circuit board, atriode, or any other appropriate circuit controller. The solar panelconverts light into electrical energy which is then transmitted to theelectronic circuit controller such that the electronic circuitcontroller controls the liquid crystal display screen in a programmedmanner. More specifically, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 it is preferred thatthe liquid crystal display screen flash between an opaque screen and atranslucent screen. When the screen is translucent, the personalizedname or other artwork is visible.

The key chain is just one embodiment for the personalized souvenir.Alternate embodiments include zipper pulls, chokers, bracelets, andmagnets to name a few. Because the souvenir is solar powered, it doesnot require a battery. This feature allows the souvenir to flash for anextended period of time. Further, because the souvenir is personalized,it can be used to identify the purchaser's personal items by attachingit to a set of keys, a backpack, a locker, etc.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment of the invention, thepersonalized name label is affixed to the back of the liquid crystaldisplay screen. The liquid crystal display screen is placed on top ofthe plastic piece with the personalized name. As stated above, when theliquid crystal display screen is opaque, the name is not visible, andwhen the liquid crystal display screen is translucent, the name isvisible. The liquid crystal display screen flashes in a programmedmanner. This means that the entire screen flashes or that the screen ispartitioned and different parts flash at different times.

As seen in FIG. 1, in another embodiment a second side of for example akey chain displays the artwork selected by the souvenir retailer. It ispreferred that the artwork is also on an adhesive backed piece of paper.The paper with the artwork is adhered to the second side of the keychain. As such, the artwork and the personalized name each facedifferent directions. Referencing FIG. 2, when placed for example on therack provided to the souvenir retailer, it is important that the nameside of the souvenir face the potential purchaser. Because the souveniris personalized, the purchaser is searching for his or her own name.Therefore, in certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the keychain does not have a swivel point that allows the key chain to move tothe artwork side while hanging on the rack. When the salesrepresentative comes to the souvenir retailer's place of business toprovide service to the rack, it is that person's responsibility toensure that the key chains on the rack are all oriented such that thenames face outward.

As mentioned above, the sales representative provides an ongoing serviceto the souvenir retailer to maintain the souvenir retailer's inventoryand aesthetic look of the display rack as shown in one embodiment inFIG. 2. This service can be provided anywhere from two (2) to three (3)times a week to once a month. Due to the nature of the souvenirindustry, there are some retailers that run a seasonal business (i.e.,amusement parks, ski resorts, beaches, etc.). These types of retailerswill not require service of their souvenir program throughout the year,but may require nearly continuous service throughout their busiestseason. In this type of situation, the sales representative may requireadditional help in providing the necessary service. This additional helpcan be acquired through hiring an outside contract service company thataids in maintaining the souvenir retailer's souvenir program throughoutits busiest season. It is preferred to provide this high level ofservice to the souvenir retailer so that the souvenir program produceshigh sales for the souvenir retailer and in turn the salesrepresentative's employer. In some instances, however, the servicing ofthe program may be performed by the customer. This may be due to specialcircumstances such as remote locations or point of sale systems that cantrack sales by name.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the inventory iselectronically monitored such as with a computer device. In oneembodiment, each key ring has a universal product code that correspondsto the particular name on the souvenir. Every time a souvenir ispurchased, the information is captured electronically such as with acomputer device allowing an individual to know which names to re-stock.In a further alternate embodiment of the invention, the souvenirs and/orthe souvenir rack includes a radio frequency identification (“RFID”)system. The RFID system aids in the supply chain management of thesouvenir inventory. Specifically, this type of service can reduce thenumber of times a service representative actually makes a visit to asite, which ultimately increases the profit of the souvenir retailer.The information received and stored by the RFID system is transmitted tothe souvenir supplier in real time such as with a computer device andprovides an up to date inventory of the products on the rack. Thisinformation is extremely valuable, especially during the retailer'sbusiest selling times. It ensures that the souvenir sales representativepossesses the most current inventory count either before or at the timeof visiting the retailer's store such that the representative can bringthe required inventory with him or her to each visit. This improves theefficiency of the inventory supply management by reducing the number oftrips the sales representative has to make to the retailer's store toproperly maintain the personalized souvenir rack.

More specifically, the alternate embodiment of the invention couldinclude a kit for a personalized solar powered souvenir program thatcomprises a solar powered souvenir having a selected name wherein thesolar powered souvenir comprises 1) a liquid crystal display screen fordisplaying the selected name; 2) a solar panel, wherein the solar panelconverts light into electrical energy; 3) an electronic circuitcontroller, wherein the electronic circuit controller receives theelectrical energy and controls the liquid crystal display screen in aprogrammed manner; 4) housing said liquid crystal display screen in afirst side of the solar powered souvenir with the name wherein theliquid crystal display screen alternates between transparent and opaquesuch that the name is dynamically displayed; 5) including artwork on asecond side of the solar powered souvenir; and 6) an inventorymonitoring device. In addition, the kit for the personalized solarpowered souvenir program can include a rack to display an inventory ofthe solar powered souvenirs and a computer device.

It is preferred in an alternate embodiment that the inventory monitoringdevice of the kit for the personalized solar powered souvenir program iselectronic such as involving a computer device. Moreover, the electronicinventory monitoring device is preferably a radio frequencyidentification system where the radio frequency identification systemtransmits the inventory information to a receiver that is located on therack. An individual then preferably monitors the receiver on the saidrack in order to maintain the inventory. Alternatively, the electronicinventory monitoring device is preferably a radio frequencyidentification system where the radio frequency identification systemtransmits the inventory information to a receiver that is located ateither a portable or fixed location within transmitting distance. Anindividual then preferably monitors the receiver in order to maintainthe inventory.

In a further alternate embodiment, the inventory monitoring device is auniversal product code that is coupled to the personalized solar poweredsouvenir. In this embodiment, a unique universal product codecorresponds to each personalized name such that the inventory iscomputer monitored upon a souvenir being purchased. The use of a radiofrequency identification system and Universal Product Code as theinventory monitoring device are just two embodiments. In fact, theinventory monitoring device could be a computer device or any type ofdevice or system that efficiently tracks and manages the souvenirinventory.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is described in theDescription of Preferred Embodiments. While these descriptions directlydescribe the one embodiment, it is understood that those skilled in theart may conceive modifications and/or variations to the specificembodiments shown and described herein. Any such modifications orvariations that fall within the purview of this description are intendedto be included therein as well. Unless specifically noted, it is theintention of the inventor that the words and phrases in thespecification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meaningsto those of ordinary skill in the applicable art(s). The foregoingdescription of a preferred embodiment and best mode of the inventionknown to the applicant at the time of filing the application has beenpresented and is intended for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed, and many modifications andvariations are possible in the light of the above teachings. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical application and to enableothers skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in variousembodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

1. A method of providing a multitude of souvenir devices through acomposite presentation comprising the steps of: a. contacting apersonalized solar powered devices retailer; b. establishing a multitudeof personalized solar powered programmed souvenir devices; c. selectingnames for each of said personalized solar powered programmed souvenirdevices with use of a computer device comprising the steps of i.determining an age range of a sales demographic; and ii. selecting topfirst names; d. having each of said personalized solar poweredprogrammed souvenir devices manufactured to electronically transform anddynamically display at least one of said selected names; e. presentingsaid multitude of personalized solar powered devices in a manner thatsaid personalized solar powered devices present a composite appearancethat electronically transforms and dynamically displays a multitude ofsaid selected names; f. configuring said multitude of personalized solarpowered programmed souvenir devices to each accomplish the steps of: i.displaying a selected name through a liquid crystal display screen; ii.utilizing a solar panel, wherein said solar panel converts light intoelectrical energy; and iii. electronically controlling an electroniccircuit, wherein said electronic circuit receives said electrical energyand controls said liquid crystal display screen to transform in aprogrammed and dynamic manner; and iv. housing said liquid crystaldisplay screen on at least a first side of each of said solar poweredprogrammed souvenir devices with said name wherein said liquid crystaldisplay screen alternates between transparent and opaque such that saidname is dynamically displayed; and g. continuously maintaining saidcomposite appearance with use of a computer device wherein each saidpersonalized solar powered programmed souvenir device is frequentlyreplenished so as to create a uniform and distinct dynamicallytransformative composite display when exposed to light.
 2. A method ofproviding a multitude of souvenir devices through a compositepresentation as described in claim 1 wherein said step of selectingnames for each of said personalized solar powered programmed souvenirdevices further comprises the steps of: a. researching census recordsand birth records for each year of said age range; and b. selecting topfirst names from said census records and said birth records.
 3. A methodof providing a multitude of souvenir devices through a compositepresentation as described in claim 1 wherein said step of selectingnames for each of said personalized solar powered programmed souvenirdevices further comprises the step of using an age range appropriate forsaid selected souvenir.
 4. A method of providing a multitude of souvenirdevices through a composite presentation as described in claim 1 whereinsaid step of selecting names for each of said personalized solar poweredprogrammed souvenir devices further comprises the step of using an agerange of from age 5 to age
 35. 5. A method of providing a multitude ofsouvenir devices through a composite presentation as described in claim4 wherein said step of selecting names for each of said personalizedsolar powered programmed souvenir devices further comprises a stepselected from a group consisting of: including at least somepersonalized solar powered programmed souvenir devices displaying themost common names for all ages on said solar powered programmed souvenirdevices, including at least some personalized solar powered programmedsouvenir devices displaying at least some generic sayings on said solarpowered programmed souvenir devices, and including both at least somepersonalized solar powered programmed souvenir devices displaying themost common names for all ages on said solar powered programmed souvenirdevices and at least some personalized solar powered programmed souvenirdevices displaying at least some generic sayings on said solar poweredprogrammed souvenir devices.
 6. A method of providing a multitude ofsouvenir devices through a composite presentation as described in claim1 wherein said step of providing a multitude of personalized solarpowered programmed souvenir devices comprises a step selected from agroup consisting of: displaying at least about two hundred differentnames on said multitude of solar powered programmed souvenir devices,and displaying at least about three hundred different names on saidmultitude of solar powered programmed souvenir devices, and displayingat least about four hundred different names on said multitude of solarpowered programmed souvenir devices.
 7. A method of providing amultitude of souvenir devices through a composite presentation asdescribed in claim 1 wherein said step of providing a multitude ofpersonalized solar powered programmed souvenir devices comprises thestep of maintaining about fifteen times more of the personalized solarpowered programmed souvenir devices containing most popular name thanthe least popular name.
 8. A method of providing a multitude of souvenirdevices through a composite presentation as described in claim 1 andfurther comprising the step of including geographical location artworkon a second side of said solar powered programmed souvenir device.
 9. Amethod of providing a multitude of souvenir devices through a compositepresentation as described in claim 1 and further comprising the step ofincluding a retailer's business logo on a second side of said solarpowered programmed souvenir device.
 10. A method of providing amultitude of souvenir devices through a composite presentation asdescribed in claim 1 and further comprising the step of non-swivelablyhanging said multitude of personalized solar powered programmed souvenirdevices on said personalized solar powered device rack.
 11. A method ofproviding a multitude of souvenir devices through a compositepresentation as described in claim 1 wherein said step of providing amultitude of personalized solar powered programmed souvenir devicescomprises a step selected from a group consisting of: establishing amultitude of personalized solar powered programmed zipper pull souvenirdevices, establishing a multitude of personalized solar poweredprogrammed magnet souvenir devices, establishing a multitude ofpersonalized solar powered programmed choker souvenir devices,establishing a multitude of personalized solar powered programmedbracelet souvenir devices, establishing a multitude of personalizedsolar powered programmed key ring souvenir devices, and establishing amultitude of personalized solar powered programmed key chain souvenirdevices.
 12. A method of providing a multitude of souvenir devicesthrough a composite presentation as described in claim 8 wherein saidstep of including geographical location artwork on a second side of saidsolar powered programmed souvenir device comprises a step selected froma group consisting of: including amusement facility artwork on a secondside of said solar powered programmed souvenir device, including parkartwork on a second side of said solar powered programmed souvenirdevice, including resort artwork on a second side of said solar poweredprogrammed souvenir device, including beach locale artwork on a secondside of said solar powered programmed souvenir device, and includingseasonal business artwork on a second side of said solar poweredprogrammed souvenir device.
 13. A method of providing a multitude ofsouvenir devices through a composite presentation as described in claim1 wherein said step of continuously maintaining said personalized solarpowered device rack with use of a computer device comprises the step ofutilizing outside contractor services for at least part of the time. 14.A method of providing a multitude of souvenir devices through acomposite presentation as described in claim 13 wherein said step ofutilizing outside contractor services for at least part of the timecomprises the step of seasonally utilizing outside contractor servicesfor at least part of the time.
 15. A method of providing a multitude ofsouvenir devices through a composite presentation as described in claim1 wherein said step of continuously maintaining said personalized solarpowered device rack with use of a computer device comprises a stepselected from a group consisting of: about twice weekly maintaining saidpersonalized solar powered device rack to create a uniform and distinctdynamically transformative display when exposed to light, about thriceweekly maintaining said personalized solar powered device rack to createa uniform and distinct dynamically transformative display when exposedto light, about monthly maintaining said personalized solar powereddevice rack to create a uniform and distinct dynamically transformativedisplay when exposed to light, and seasonally varying the frequency ofmaintaining said personalized solar powered device rack to create auniform and distinct dynamically transformative display when exposed tolight.
 16. A method of providing a multitude of souvenir devices througha composite presentation as described in claim 1 wherein said step ofcontinuously maintaining said personalized solar powered device rackwith use of a computer device comprises the step of continuouslymaintaining said rack by an electronic monitoring system.
 17. A methodof providing a multitude of souvenir devices through a compositepresentation as described in claim 16 wherein said step of continuouslymaintaining said rack by an electronic monitoring system comprises thestep of tying to a retailer's point of sale computer system.
 18. Amethod of providing a multitude of souvenir devices through a compositepresentation as described in claim 1 wherein said step of displaying aselected name through a liquid crystal display screen comprises the stepof displaying a selected name through a partitioned display liquidcrystal display screen.
 19. A method of providing a multitude ofsouvenir devices through a composite presentation as described in claim18 wherein said step of electronically controlling an electroniccircuit, wherein said electronic circuit receives said electrical energyand controls said liquid crystal display screen to transform in aprogrammed and dynamic manner comprises the step of electronicallycontrolling said partitioned display liquid crystal display screen todisplay each partition differently.
 20. A method of providing amultitude of souvenir devices through a composite presentation asdescribed in claim 1 and further comprising the step of allowing saidpersonalized solar powered devices retailer to select additional namesto include in said multitude of personalized solar powered programmedsouvenir devices.